Orange County Photographer, Mark Jordan, features Portraits, and Photographic and Personal Observations of Orange County Photographer Mark Jordan.
WELCOME!
Thank you for dropping by. Briefly, let me answer a few questions you might have about our portrait studio.
I am an Orange County Photographer and have been one of Orange County's leading Family Portrait Photographers since 1981. My portrait studio, Mark Jordan Photography, specializes in crafting Timeless, Simple and Meaningful portrait photography of the following genres:
• Family Portraits, including Maternity
• Headshots for Business and the Arts; Corporate Events
• High School & College Seniors
• Children Portraits
• Couples /Engagement and every heart in love...
While our portrait Styles range from Traditional, Classic and Contemporary, to Grunge, Romantic and Storytelling, we offer Locations for beach portraits, park portraits, home portraits, and portraits in the city, to studio photography and speciality sites.
Regardless of being an internationally award winning photographer and a permanent exhibitor into the International Photography Hall of Fame and Museum, what's more important is that every award I have earned has come directly from portrait commissions. That is, I owe my success to my clients - it all began with simple inquiries like yours and continues today because of those who honor me with their trust.
Should you'd like to discover more about Mark Jordan's Award Winning Portraits, please visit our About page, and to see them, our Portfolio page contains a full range of portrait galleries.
Following is a press release regarding my foray into photographing the Mini Cooper for Crevier Mini Cooper in Orange County, CA. I’ve posted here in it’s entirety. And in case you’re wondering, NO, you cannot simply drive up on the beach – nor did I…
(Orange County, California)
Capturing beauty and poetry on film is a hallmark for International Hall of Fame Photographer Mark Jordan. Recently, he was asked if he would take his huge talent and lend it to photographing a slightly different subject, a car.
“When approached to photograph the Mini Cooper my first thought was an orchestrated cacophony – I knew I was up for challenge, but would need to tuneup on the finer points of ‘auto-capture’ before the actual performance. It was a mixture of visceral passion for the exquisite lines of the Mini, combined with a twist of apprehension for never having photographed an automobile… professionally. Regardless, I could not have been any more excited and leapt into the project before logic gave me reason to bail.”
As a Master Photographer and member of the American Society of Photographers, Mark has captured poetic portraits for over 30 years. From the pages of People magazine, to the halls and walls of homes and museums, Mark has also received international recognition for his work from such organizations as KODAK, WINONA International, EPCOT Center, FUJI Corporation and Professional photographers of America, Germany and Norway.
Here, he was asked to capture the character of the MINI Roadster and MINI Countryman in and around Orange County California.
“Rather than trying to reinvent the wheel and create images of the Mini similar to those typically seen in promo brochures, we all agreed that a different approach was demanded – one that not only sported the Mini amid the environs of O.C, but reveled the character of the car as how everyday owners actually enjoyed their Minis.
I had heard the rave reviews about the Mini Cooper and anticipated a great ride, but having yet to own a Mini (much to my wife’s chagrin), let alone drive one, we hadn’t a clue of the thrill was in store for us. We strapped ourselves in and quickly discovered we would do best to simply surrender to the spontaneous whims of its wickedly nimble disposition. I must tell you, you don’t drive a Mini, it drives you. It’s like walking a pit-bull on a leash – you can fight it or just let it go. We chose the latter – oh my Lord, the rush is indescribable!
Oh, to the point, our new Mini lead us to the environs of the beach, parks, and backroads of O.C. Surprisingly, it also drove us to the gates of the Festival of the Arts. I think for all its gutsy, raw power, it’s also graceful and refined – a true work of art.”
We then asked Mark what aspect of photographing the Mini Cooper posed the greatest challenge.
“The ultimate challenge in capturing the Mini is that though it definitively exudes a personality all it’s own, it is not a person – and I specialize in photographing people. Whether it’s the celebrity calling for a new headshot or the family next door needing a portrait for their mantle, the milieu of my existence is people. Thus, the first step I took was to revisit the attributes that inspire me most about portraiture. And for me, photographing people is primarily about relationships – the connection. It’s about putting myself in the shoes of another, sitting behind their eyes and seeing the world as they do.
Therefore, the first task at hand was to see the world through the eyes of a Mini (fortunately for me, awaiting on this side of the windshield sits a comfy cockpit). Not only that, I felt obliged to do so in a way that genuinely reflected the fervent affections of the Mini owners everywhere. There’s a reason why owners are so passionate about the Mini-experience – in fact, it’s not “mini” at all – it’s something else altogether – something unique and inexplicable.
My goal then was to discover and capture it.
However, as I began I didn’t have to look much deeper before yet another challenge arose. While the key component in capturing people is honesty, the art of it relies on the intuitive – it’s instantaneous and imperceptible. Once the instant is gone, it’s gone forever. Though we’re well aware that the quintessential difference between the painter and photographer is the moment, considering the defined purpose of my Mini photographic excursion, I’d have to manage both the moment as well as the artist’s interpretive, keeping them in context and at the forefront of my Mini endeavor.
So then, what does all the mean in the real world? Well, on the one hand there’s the magnetic aesthetic of the Mini to contemplate, while on the other there’s the instant flash of improvisation. Not only would I be relying on the serendipitous interactions of people, I’d also be contending with the synchronization of the Mini’s most arresting attributes along with this momentary spark of human appearance – and all within a hasty widow of usable light. Yes, challenging, but doable.
Continuing with our four part series on the four key factors to Headshot photography, by Orange County Photographer, Mark Jordan, we are going delve into the second component, Positioning. Though my series was written so each of the four factors are meaningful on their own, I do advise taking a quick look at section one, Planning, just to get you up to speed and give you a greater sense of not only where we are going, but why. Once you’ve had time to absorb factor two, the next two are Painting and Expression.
Ask yourself, what is the client before you trusting you to accomplish? The reason I ask is that it’s vital to know the essence of your primary goal. Hint: the answer is not “to create a good photograph.” Sure, it may be why they chose you or articulated what they needed,but at the heart of why they are standing in your studio, trust me, it’s not just for the HeadShot.It’s HeadShot day.Now that yourclient is standing in front of you, looking their best with expectations running high, what next? Again, this blog post is not the proper forum for an exhaustive recitation, but there is a pivotal mindset, if effectuated, will go a long way to making your HeadShots stand out from the crowd.
At the heart of the matter, your new client chose you because they feel they can rely on you to make them appear confident and trustworthy. I strongly suggest that somewhere in your session, this tidbit of inside knowledge somehow find its way into your conversation. For me, it will come out when I’ve taken an exposure that I feel exudes confidence, and out pops, “Yes, that was very nice – that’s a very confident look.” Frequently, they’ll stop me and ask for the exposure number… You see, looking confident and worthy of trust is what they truly desire.Your mission then is to position them in such a way so that when your lovely HeadShot is posted on their web/social sites, people will gaze at their face and think to themselves, “Now, here’s someone I can trust.” That’s it! – in the proverbial nutshell. As a HeadShot photographer, I have ruminated about how others approach new faces and make their first impressions. In other words, I’ve carefully weighed which design elements attract, engendering confidence, and which turn people away? I then incorporate these features when designing my client’s HeadShot.
Though there are exceptions to just about every rule (including this one, if you can imagine that without blowing a gasket), it’s a truism that people want to do business with people who are busy, which they equate to being successful. As this relates to “positioning”, active people are not likely to sit in lapdog like fashion, over eager to be liked or elicit approval. Why? They’ve got too much to do on their plate. After all, they’ve got places to go and people to see!
However, and this is where you need to pay special attention, regardless of their hectic schedule, even the most successful among us will still make time for those who are of value to them. Yes, they may be flying down the road, but it does not mean that they are not passionate about people and are not willing to take a moment out of their day to attend to others.
Personal Headshot
Such is the attitude of positioning my clients for a HeadShot portrait. They are moving forward, but they have made time to acknowledge the viewer – they’re important to them.
Quickly then, revisiting my notion of considering the client’s audience, I’ve noticed that people tend not to respond well to brick-walls. They are viewed as barriers or obstacles to overcome. Rarely do we think in terms of “interacting with.” Needless to say, such straight-on, imposing positioning can be perceived as not being terribly user-friendly. Not always, mind you, but as a general rule.
Graduation Headshot
As our conversation proceeds, and I’m asking them to share more about their vocation, they begin to settle in and make their seating arrangement their own. This is usually a matter of a few minutes. Once relaxed, I’ll begin to slowly walk towards my tripod (which I rarely use), pickup my Canon 5D Mark II and begin creating exposures.Once I’ve entered my camera room with my client, a typical HeadShot will begin by me making non-verbal clues for my subject to sit on a three tiered set of stairs (I never liked posing stools), adjacent to my 6′ Larson Soft Box (As a side note, I also wrap phone books in packaging tape and employ them as height adjusters, - it keep torsos fairly straight as they sit – this helps to avoid the slouch, which can add years, weight and a tired looking client.). While my client is getting seated/comfortable, I step away, but do so at about 45º off-camera center. Why? They’ll turn their body to face me and join in the discussion. This is key.
Mind you, the client will frequently attempt to turn their body toward me, but as they do, I gently instruct them to stay comfortable, or say something like: “That’s OK, all I need is the attention of your face – your body is great where it is.” The idea is to not necessarily tell them what to do, but rather give them permission to stay at ease.
You see, for me, having my client’s torsos not only turned away, but that they do so of their own accord, engenders a more natural, honest reflection of who they are. When their bodies are not facing my camera, it also denotes a feeling of motion, activity and enterprise. That is, they’re going places and have things to do! However, in spite of it all, they are stopping but for a minute to look in our direction. Thus, their faces are turned back toward the camera. Sometimes not, as in the photograph of David Pack.OK, so you might be thinking, “This is what I do all the time.” Yes, this is probably true, but up until now, did you understand why? It’s the mindset. It’s like the rudder of a ship. It’s such a small device but it determines the direction of the HeadShot session.
I know it’s much easier to simply paint-by-the-numbers, but once you understand why you do what you do, it will effect every aspect of your decision process. Not only that, it will help you position your clients naturally, effectively, and bring out their character. Along the way, you’ll also advance the relevance and credibility quotient of your headshots to new heights.
So, is this everything there is to know about “positioning”? Not even close. However, this IS a blog, and I’ve already sped past the typical 500 word blog length (by over 1,000 words), which, I am told, is “snooze-inducing.” Hope I kept you awake.
THIS CONCLUDES PART 2 OF 4. PART 3, PAINTING WITH LIGHT, IS NEXT.
IN CLOSINGSo then, when it is all said and done, how might a HeadShot photographer know that the session went well? As successful HeadShot photographer is one who often hears from his clients, “My goodness, THAT was quick.” Or my favorite, “Boy, that was painless.” Should you be fortunate to hear these compliments, or variations thereof, count yourself a blessed photographer, move on, and then repeat for a lifetime.
Anyone wishing to explore the possibility of having our studio create their HeadShot, the next step is to either contact us by email or give us a call (949.888.8071). I’ll spend whatever time it takes to familiarize you with prices, process and portfolio, as well as arrange a time to meet and discuss your HeadShot needs.
Mindi Abair, one of America’s most renowned and loveliest saxophonists, stole the show during her guest performance on American Idol. Playing with contestant, Phillip Phillips, they rocked the stage with their performance of “Give A Little More” by Maroon 5.
So, why I am blogging about Mindi Abair? Two reasons. One, because I was given the opportunity to photograph her earlier this year. And two, because people will be looking for images and articles of her American Idol performance.
Following are a few images on the Newport Beach, CA concert I was hired to photograph by David Pack. Guests players were the phenomenal guitarist, Jeff Golub, as well as bassist, Derek Frank.
Saxophonist , Midi Abair, live in concert, Newport Beach, CA
Saxophonist , Midi Abair, live in concert, Newport Beach, CA
Mindi Abair & Davivd Pack exchanging solo riffs.
Joff Golub laying down outrageous licks for Pack - Abair concert.
David Pack looking cool.
Derek Frank guest bassist for Abiar - Pack Conert in Newport Beach, CA
Midi Abair, live in concert in Newport Beach, CA
David Pack singing "You're the Only Woman"
Mindi Abair playing her heart out.
Mind Abair laying down a sultry melody.
Mindi Abair & David Pack following concert in Newport Beach, CA
Mark
Mark Jordan Photography specializes in crafting stunning contemporary, traditional, classic, and storytelling family portraits (high school seniors, children portraits, babies, maternity, pregnancy), headshots and pets. Mark Jordan, a Photography Hall of Fame photographer in Rancho Santa Margarita and provides portrait photography throughout Orange County. The portrait studio also serves San Diego County and Inland Empire. Studio Photography Services are also provided in Riverside County and Los Angeles County. Local Cites where photography studio services are offered are in Aliso Viejo, Anaheim, Brea, Costa Mesa, Coto de Caza, Cypress, Dana Point, Dove Canyon, Fountain Valley, Huntington Beach, Irvine, Ladera Ranch, Laguna Beach, Laguna Hills, Laguna Niguel, Laguna Woods, Lake Forest, Mission Viejo, Newport Beach, Northwood, Orange, Orange Park Acres, San Clemente, San Juan Capistrano, Santa Ana, Tustin, Villa Park, Westminster, Yorba Linda, Corona del Mar, Murrieta, Murrieta Hot Springs, Quail Valley, Riverside, Temecula, Winchester, Chino Hills, Fontana, Grand Terrace, Loma Linda, Montclair, Rancho Bernardo, Carlsbad, Coronado, Del Mar, Escondido, La Mesa, Oceanside, San Diego, San Marcos, Solana Beach, Vista, Carmel Mountain Ranch, Rancho San Diego, Rancho Santa Fe, and San Diego Country Estates, Turtle Rock, Shady Canyon. Portrait Photographers everywhere (photographers in O.C. as well) are welcome to contact our portrait studio for mentoring/guidance.
Now that my Belly Art Photos have become popular across the country and in many parts of the world (due in large part because of the internet), a week does not go by that someone writes and asks me questions about them. So then, it occurred to me to compile a list of the most frequently asked questions and posted them on my blog, along with my answers. This way, each time I receive a question, I can simply forward them a link to my post. Regardless, should you have question that you feel I’ve not addressed, please forward along and I’ll add it to the ones below.
How did your Belly Art come to be?
Starting in the late ’70′s I began to create puzzles, I called Wordles®. Wordles are a figurative representation of a word or phrase by an imaginative arrangement of words, pictures and symbols that express that work or phrase. It’s an amalgamation of the word word and riddle.
Besides designed Wordles simply on paper (usually, twenty to a page – see example below) I began to imagine how they might look like on other medium such as t-shirts, screen-savers, coffee mugs, greeting cards, and even as a game. Somewhere in the recesses of my mind, it also occurred to me that many of my Wordle’s were suited for belly designs. I then began to fashion Belly Art based upon my Wordles. Unfortunately, during a divorce in 1985, my Wordle designs mysteriously vanished, and my life, as well as my Belly Art were put on indefinite hold.
I remarried four years later, created three incredible children over the following six years, and was enjoying the fruits of our labor. A decade soon passed, and though my dormant plans for Wordles remained alive, I nonetheless continued to cart my dreams off to “Someday Isle” (i.e. some day I’ll do it).
It wasn’t until attending a Qvale family reunion in the mid ’90′s that my Wordle passion was rekindled. Someone at our event presented the family with a list of twenty wordle-like puzzles for us to solve. They were the typical, easy type, like “| r | e | a | d |” (i.e. read between the lines). From then on I began to redesign my previous Wordles, taking them to whole new level, as well as adding on a few thousand more. Today, I have over four thousand in queue.
As to how my ignited passion for Wordles turn into Belly Art? Suffice it to day, it took a stroke of serendipitous good fortune.
It was 2005 when one of my portrait clients, who also shared my interest in painted bellies, suggested to me that they could arrange to gather a few pregnant ladies and an artist friend, if I would create the actual photographs. What was so peculiar about their request is there were unaware of my previous pursuit and passion for maternity portraits. I took this as a sign of providence and accepted the opportunity.
Even then, once my latent aspiration had wheels, it required a degree of time and dedication that, had I known, I wonder if I would have ever begun. At the time I was also in the grips of raising three teenagers, managing my family portrait photography, as well as designing/trademarking my Wordle® puzzles.
Regardless, having these images in the back of my mind for over twenty-five years, I knew that this was the “some day” I was waiting for. I also knew if I put my heart and soul into it, something of value could be accomplished. Little did I know what I was about to embark upon and the untold hours of labor I would lovingly endure.
Belly Art was not so much inspiration as it was perseverance and perspiration. As a portrait photographer I had been creating maternity portraits for 25 years and found them especially rewarding. Maternity portraits were so special to me that I never charged a session fee, and offered substantial discounts to my mothers-to-be. I named my distinct style of maternity portraits “Soft & Sensitive.” Corny, I know. But it was a hit in the ’80s!
Articulating exactly what it is about the pregnant form that has captivated me all these years has remained elusive, which makes me believe it is something beyonds words. However, if forced to offer an explanation, I’d have to say it must meet some sort of primal curiosity or need to be in touch with the wonderment and preciousness of life. When I am photographing pregnant woman, there is profound sense of freshness and fascination like none other. For me, it’s a gift – a vicarious sharing in the regeneration of life.
Around this time (early 80′s), I began to hear stories about moms painting their bellies. Not that such an artistic expression was anything new, it nevertheless intrigued me. Subsequently, I was inspired to create my own, and because actual clippings were far and few (i.e. we did not have Google Images to spy upon), I began to sketch out ideas of my own. My drawings were generally focused on my interests at the time. Being a ceramist, a guitarist, shell collector, a movie and sports enthusiast, as well as a Wordle® designer, my Belly Art designs largely reflected these motifs.
This is really a great question – the answer, however, is a definitive “no.” Since these sorts of images have been around for decades, and in all fairness, it would be presumptuous for me or anyone to claim progenitor rights regarding the origins of these ideas.
Candidly, I don’t think either the art form (belly painting) or the ideas expressed in my photographs as being anything archetypal. Several of these images were in my 80′s sketches, while some I don’t recall seeing/designing.
My friend/client, Lara Lei Bailey, scheduled the sessions, provided props, her home, and stipulated the images to be created, while I interpreted, synthesized and realized the objectives. Regardless, like all artists, I was merely building upon a foundation laid by generations before us. Rather claiming sole ownership to the concept, Belly Art, for me, is my personal stab at perfecting a tried and much beloved medium, and hopefully offering a perspective that causes the viewer to return for more than one look.
The belly artwork was first applied by a delightful artist, Bridget Reid, and then photographed by me. I then enhanced, manipulated and completed the designs in Photoshop. Extensive digital artwork was applied to define, articulate, enhance and sharpen features. There isn’t a line, shape or color that has not been meticulously scrutinized and painstakingly reworked to create the Belly Art you see today.
How long does each pregnant belly take to prepare?
Well, to prepare the belly, all it took was clean, naked skin. However, to prepare each belly for each photography session, the actual painting varied greatly. Some took as little as an hour, while others twice that, and more. Their time in front of the camera lasted anywhere from 30 minutes to an hour. As is the rule in life, the preparation process was multiple the actual event.
Which of your Belly Art photographs were the most challenging?
Painting – both the Fetus, Earth and Presidential bellies took the longest and required a very patient model.
Photographically – Snowman and Pumpkin bellies were by for the most difficult. It wasn’t easy trying maneuver three pregnant bellies/ladies into place and keeping them there. Not to mention once we finally did get everything just right, pressured bladders would demand a quick dash away…
When I do it again, I’d prefer to select slightly less modest models. Frequently, the challenge could have swiftly been resolved were it not being mindful of the creative process while attending to modesty issues.
Post-production – the images which required the most comprehensive graphic artwork and several renditions were Presidential, Easter, Ying-yang, Fetus, Pumpkin and Shell bellies. Basketball was challenging trying to have our very pregnant model push her belly away. Fishbowl Belly was fun adding shells and creating a three-dimensional look in Photoshop. Happy Face required dozens of version and alterations. Clock Belly was time intensive defining the hands and numbers. Snowman is in a category all its own. Creating a believable foreground over which the Snowman Bellies emerge was a Promethean challenge, which propagated over four dozen versions, until I decided on the one the tickled my eye the most. Even then, I still post two versions…
What role did photography play in your Belly Art photographs?
I have offered you glimpse of the graphic design contribution, yet have said very little about the key component: photography – writing with light… You see, without the subjective interpretation of the photographer, wielding the tools of light, lens, years of savvy, no amount of artwork, digital or otherwise, could have resurrected these paintings or elevated them to the stature of art they hold today. The variations and possibilities are endless – but someone had to decide…
As to the particulars, all Belly Art photographs were created on location in the living room of one of my clients, except Beach Ball Belly, which was taken at local park, in a sandbox. The images were captured digitally with a Canon 5D. The primary light source was a large, south facing window. White and silver reflectors (48″) were employed to soften the shadow edge and bounce light into the shadows. Each session was around an hour or two, with the digital artwork taking anywhere from a day to a week or more.
Was I just responsible for the photography? Yes, I am the photographer – I did not actually paint the bellies. Were these images created by the application of paint to belly? No. This was just beginning – a rough draft, if you will.
Such a question would seem to imply that merely painting the belly is where the artistry lies. Were this the case, I believe the images you’re viewing today would be among the thousands of humdrum photos blanketing the web. Painting is one thing – Photography is another (which, I would argue makes all the difference in the world). However, mixing the former with graphic art/digital design, elevates the “art form’s” present state of mediocrity (at best) to a whole new level.
Was I just responsible for the photography? Yes, I am the photographer – I did not actually paint the bellies. Were these images created by the application of paint to belly? No. This was just beginning – a rough draft, if you will.
Such a question would seem to imply that merely painting the belly is where the artistry lies. Were this the case, I believe the images you’re viewing today would be among the thousands of humdrum photos blanketing the web. Painting is one thing – Photography is another (which, I would argue makes all the difference in the world). However, mixing the former with graphic art/digital design, elevates the “art form’s” present state of mediocrity (at best) to a whole new level.
Like my children, I love them all. However, Watermelon Belly, and No Smoking Belly do have a special place in my heart.
What bellies would you like to do that you haven’t done so far?
Besides a host of balls (especially Baseball), I’d want to do Moon Belly, Orange Slice Belly, Mag Wheel Belly, Tire Spoke Belly, Speaker Belly, all the Planets, Bowl “Of” Bellies (i.e. spaghetti, salads, cherries, etc), Stained Glass Belly, a series of Guitar Bellies, Kaleidoscope Belly, Car Logo bellies (especially VW), Pizza Belly, Christmas Ornaments and Golgotha Belly – just to name a few.
As much I would love to provide this service for pregnant women, there does not seem to be a clamoring demand. Considering the cost of not only the photography session, but the artist’s time/talent, as well as my graphic artistry, and the actual photographs, such luxury is not a key component of the target market – young mothers with restricted budgets. It’s not to say that it won’t be in the future, but for now I would have to say that my Belly Art is definitely project based than profit motivated.
What to do you plan to do with your Belly Art photographs?
In the initial stages, I did have tacit hopes of my photographs blossoming into something larger. The couple who motivated me to create my Belly Art, also hoped they might use my photographs for a calendar. Though they abandoned this notion some years ago, I have kept my photographs alive by posting on my website. Fortunately, the images are timeless…
Today, I derive pleasure from posting my images for others to enjoy. That’s enough for now.
Should you have any further questions about my Belly Art Photos sessions, the artwork, how you might own an image, about me (Orange County Portrait Photographer, Mark Jordan) or any aspect of the photographic process, please don’t hesitate to contact us. We are more than happy to share.
Mark
Mark Jordan Photography specializes in crafting stunning contemporary, traditional, classic, and storytelling family portraits (high school seniors, children portraits, babies, maternity, pregnancy), headshots and pets. Mark Jordan, a Photography Hall of Fame photographer in Rancho Santa Margarita and provides portrait photography throughout Orange County. The portrait studio also serves San Diego County and Inland Empire. Studio Photography Services are also provided in Riverside County and Los Angeles County. Local Cites where photography studio services are offered are in Aliso Viejo, Anaheim, Brea, Costa Mesa, Coto de Caza, Cypress, Dana Point, Dove Canyon, Fountain Valley, Huntington Beach, Irvine, Ladera Ranch, Laguna Beach, Laguna Hills, Laguna Niguel, Laguna Woods, Lake Forest, Mission Viejo, Newport Beach, Northwood, Orange, Orange Park Acres, San Clemente, San Juan Capistrano, Santa Ana, Tustin, Villa Park, Westminster, Yorba Linda, Corona del Mar, Murrieta, Murrieta Hot Springs, Quail Valley, Riverside, Temecula, Winchester, Chino Hills, Fontana, Grand Terrace, Loma Linda, Montclair, Rancho Bernardo, Carlsbad, Coronado, Del Mar, Escondido, La Mesa, Oceanside, San Diego, San Marcos, Solana Beach, Vista, Carmel Mountain Ranch, Rancho San Diego, Rancho Santa Fe, and San Diego Country Estates, Turtle Rock, Shady Canyon. Portrait Photographers everywhere (photographers in O.C. as well) are welcome to contact our portrait studio for mentoring/guidance.
PREFACE: What is your Headshot photography communicating to your client’s community and their potential clients? It cannot be overemphasized, people do equate the quality and credibility of your your client’s craft by the HeadShot they present to the world – 90% of which is made at the subconscious level.
Long gone are the days of putting forward one’s best foot – it’s been replaced by one’s face. First impressions are indelible. That is to say, unless your clients are aware of the lasting message intended with their head-shot, the odds are it is saying something about their identity other than what they wish. More than likely, it is also doing more harm than good.
So then, what makes a HeadShot “stand out from the crowd”? There are actually ten components, but to keep our discussion pertinent and tidy, I will limit my post to the Four Key Factors. I like to think of these as the 3Ps and 3Es:
All four components are vital, but were I to list them in degree of importance, as written, they are in reverse order. Because the nature of blogging restricts my coverage of them, I’ve limited my post to just these four. Even then, each are rife enough in content to cover on a single blog. Subsequently, I will discuss them in four parts, each section containing this intro and closing comments. So then, here we go, Part 1.
1. PLANNING
The direction and ultimate success for your HeadShot photography is largely due to the groundwork you lay. I prefer to meet with every client before we photograph them. However, for the vast majority of clients looking for an outstanding headshot, this is not an option. Why? It requires a great deal of their time to move and shake, and thus, rarely do they feel the need to add yet another appointment to their busy schedule. I’d like to think that they also have a sense of trust in my work and are confident they’ve made the right right choice.
Publicity Headshot of Derek Frank
Consequently, you will soon discover that HeadShot bookings primarily rely on one’s written communications (i.e. email) and telephone eloquence. Those who most effectively communicate what they have to offer, and how their offerings are best suited for their client’s needs, are going to find themselves booking most of their inquiries. It’s as simple as that.
Since the vast majority of my inquiries arrive by email (which means my SEO work is having its intended effect, I depend on a swift and effective email response. Approximately 70% of these initial email inquiries result in a followup phone call. Both my email letters and phone discussion are key to helping my potential clients recognize that I am the right studio.
Once I know precisely what is it my client needs, I can then go about assembling all the elements to make it happen. The variables are limitless. However, if the HeadShot need in your community is anything like mine, the conventional Studio Session is king.
Even then, I call upon my Boy Scout motto: be prepared. “Planning,” therefore, as you may have surmised, is just as much about what they need, as it is where. This is where your expertise will be relied upon.
Campaign Headshot for Orange County Treasurer, Shari Freidenrich
As you know there is much information that you know and want to pass on to your client regarding the superiority of your work. However, be careful – it can be a trap. Please keep in mind that your goal is not to prove how much I know, but how much you care. After all, no one cares what you know until they know how much you care. Therefore, be assured that people do catch on rather quickly as to who is simply trying to sell them and who is looking out for their best interests.
Consequently, my inquires are focused on meeting their needs, which means asking questions regarding their ultimate purpose.
For instance, by far most clients looking for a Headshot do not need a High Resolution Digital Negative (HRDN), where a simple Web Resolution Digital File (WRDF) will suffice nicely – thus saving your client considerably. I like to point this out. Yes, a client might call thinking they need an HRDN, but when you discover their image need is limited to posting on LinkedIn, Facebook, Manta, et al, your very next opportunity to demonstrate you’re truly focused on they’re bottom line, and not yours, is to point out a way that BEST meets their need.
The more options you have to offer the better, but to a point. Though your mind might be a fertile ground for endless possibilities, our task is to synthesize – not make the decision more confusing.
Publicity Headshot for Mindi Abair - Captured Live
When you LISTEN to what THEY require, present a few options which will best meet their need, they are then positioned to make the best choice for what benefits them the most. Ergo, everyone is happy.
Since most clients, more often than not, do not know exactly what they’re looking for, I believe is it incumbent upon us, as professionals, to shine a light. When you do this often enough, making it a veritable habit, you’ll earn clients for life.
Though the confines of this blog precludes an indepth account, suffice is to say, I believe in a candid, straightforward approach: “this what I do, how I do it, the cost of differing options, and when you can expect to receive it.” Client’s appear to appreciate it – it’s working.
I do have an extensive list of questions to ask, though not all will be voiced at our first contact. Besides gleaning their goal, other questions as to style, clothing, feel, background preference, timing, etc., though perfunctory in nature, must come across as sincere and fresh. The operative word here is enthusiasm.
If you have to fake it, you have yet to find your giftedness and would be best to find another line of work. If it’s just not your style, yet you love creating headshots, then I suggest putting yourself inside the callers shoes and doing all you can to stretch yourself to feel their angst and confusion. Once you do you’ll forever be touched by the overwhelming sense of gratification you derive from developing a servant’s heart. Ultimately, for me, that’s what efficacious planning is all about.
THIS CONCLUDES PART 1 OF 4. PART 2, POSITIONING, IS NEXT.
IN CLOSING
So then, when it is all said and done, how might a HeadShot photographer know that the session went well? As successful HeadShot photographer is one who often hears from his clients: “My goodness, THAT was quick.” Or my favorite: “Boy, that was painless.” Should you be fortunate to hear these compliments, or variations thereof, count yourself a blessed photographer, move on, and then repeat for a lifetime.
Corporate Headshots for Executives at Virtium
Should you like to learn more, my consulting fees are reasonable – I am passionate about sharing my knowledge.
Anyone wishing to explore the possibility of having our studio create their Headshot, the next step is to either contact us by email or give us a call (949.888.8071). I’ll spend whatever time it takes to familiarize you with prices and process, as well as arrange a time to meet and discuss your Headshot needs. You might also opt to check us out at Orange County Headshot.
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+ - 1 comment
Francis - Fantastic set of images here Mark.